Markell wins re-election as Delaware governor

Jack Markell won a second term as Delaware's governor after receiving close to 70 percent of the total votes cast in Tuesday's general election.

Staff Reports

Jack Markell won a second term as Delaware's governor after receiving close to 70 percent of the total votes cast in Tuesday's general election.

Of the nearly 400,000 votes cast in the 2012 Delaware general election, The Democratic incumbent brought in close to 276,000 votes, beating out Republican challenger Jeff Cragg, who received just over 28 percent of the vote or a total of 113,792.

Cragg conceded to Markell Tuesday night at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, but said the campaign has been an enriching experience.

He thanked the members of his family for their tireless support.

"The only complaints I received from them were 'Jeff, we don't have enough signs.' They always wanted to do more," Cragg said. He thanked everyone who worked on his campaign. "I wish I could have made this a more happy occasion," said Cragg, "but it's so fulfilling for me to look out at all of you, and I recognize so many faces. Thank you for being there for the Republican Party and for our future."

Markell made brief remarks before nearly 400 supporters at Wilmington's Queen Theater. "Tonight is especially sweet because of how far we've come together over the last four years," he said. "When times were so tough and the economy was in free fall we didn't give in, we didn't give up. We got to work and we're better for it. "Tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow we get to work," he said. "Tomorrow we turn the page, tomorrow we put our partisan battles aside and we work together." He told both his staffers and Democratic senators and representatives to "be ready to work hard."

"And remember, we represent every Delawarean, no matter their party and no matter whether they voted for us," Markell added.

Cragg complimented the Republican Party staff for their hard work, the Republican elected officials in the State House and Senate who campaigned with him, and all the Republican candidates who ran for office. "We have some rising stars in our party," Cragg said. "Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It is an honor to be able to represent Republican Party. Thank you for all you do and we'll move forward together."

Also on the ballot were Mark Joseph Perri representing the Green Party and Jesse McVay representing the Libertarian Party. Each third-party candidate received about 1 percent of the vote. A total of 4,422 votes were cast for Perri and 3,515 votes were cast for McVay.